Shai and the Thunder: revenge is just the beginning
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads the Thunder against the San Antonio Spurs and reflects on the disappointment of last season’s playoffs. His mindset heading into the new season couldn’t be clearer
A small but convincing measure of revenge for the Oklahoma City Thunder and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who opened the season with 32 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists against the San Antonio Spurs. After the game, the two-time MVP emphasized the confidence he has in himself and the work he’s put in.
This is the game I love. I work hard in the summer, then I step on the court and trust the work I’ve put in. It’s that simple, there’s nothing more complicated about it. I’m extremely confident because I know how hard I work, and I trust that preparation every night
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
The Thunder still had their Game 7 loss in the Conference Finals fresh in their minds:
They’re the team that kept us from reaching our goal, but more than anything, we were just happy to be back playing. The summer feels longer when you don’t win, and we definitely felt that
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
For Shai, however, the result is just a first step, and there’s no room for complacency.
It’s one game out of 82, it doesn’t prove anything. We took a step in the right direction. We have to do that 81 more times and be ready for the playoffs
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Last season’s disappointment provides even more motivation for an already highly competitive OKC squad. Now, attention turns to Thursday’s matchup against Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets, another must-watch game.